AGP Executive Report

US–Polisario Terror Label Push: Texas Senator Ted Cruz renewed claims that the Polisario is an Iran-backed “proxy” and urged it be designated a terrorist organization, pointing to the May 5 Esmara attack and wider regional security concerns. UN MINURSO Restructuring: The UN Mission for the Referendum in the Sahara (MINURSO) has started cutting costs by dismantling parts of its medical services and ending contracts for about 20 medical staff, as the UN reviews MINURSO’s future role under Security Council Resolution 2797. Human Rights Under Pressure: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protests, citing patterns of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, and torture/ill-treatment. EU Court/Trade Dispute: A Catalonia-based campaign and partners urged the AZURA Group to stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan and to respect European court rulings on Western Sahara’s separate legal status. Regional Solidarity: South Africa’s Left Conference and the EFF both reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination, while the World Peace Council called for an end to Morocco’s occupation. Diplomatic Signals: UN POLISARIO representative Sidi Mohamed Omar said C-24 seminar discussions in Managua showed strong international backing for a self-determination referendum.

UN Decolonization & MINURSO: MINURSO has started cutting costs by dismantling its medical center and ending contracts for about 20 medical staff, as part of a wider review tied to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and the future of the mission in the Sahara. Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned alleged abuses against Sahrawi defenders, including reports of a de facto siege at the home of Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún and restrictions meant to block solidarity and monitoring. C-24 Support for the Sahrawi Cause: POLISARIO UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar said the C-24 regional seminar in Managua drew strong backing from states across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean for Sahrawi self-determination and calls to expedite a referendum. Political Solidarity in Africa: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Western Sahara’s liberation and self-determination; EFF leader Julius Malema echoed that it’s “shameful” to celebrate African liberation while Sahrawis remain under occupation. International Pressure on Corporate Claims: Catalan and French groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging it to respect European court rulings and stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan, demanding accurate origin labeling for exports. Regional Diplomacy & Narratives: A World Peace Council resolution called for an end to Morocco’s occupation and renewed calls for recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

MINURSO Restructuring in Laayoune: MINURSO has closed its medical center at headquarters in Laayoune after contracts ended for around 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers; UN says equipment will be transferred to local humanitarian partners as the mission undergoes a strategic review tied to Security Council Resolution 2797, with further adjustments reported including staffing cuts and the withdrawal of a helicopter used for monitoring. Human Rights Pressure in Occupied Territories: A European lawyers’ group condemned serious abuses against Sahrawi defenders in occupied Western Sahara, citing isolation measures, movement restrictions, and a reported de facto siege on the home of defender Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún, including electricity cutoffs. International Solidarity for Self-Determination: The World Peace Council called for an end to Morocco’s “occupation” and for Sahrawis to exercise self-determination, while South Africa’s EFF reiterated unconditional support for Sahrawi independence and condemned the “plunder” of natural resources. Legal/Corporate Accountability: Catalonia for Freedom of Sahrawi People and partners urged AZURA Group to respect European court rulings, stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan, and ensure accurate origin labels for exports.

MINURSO Restructuring in Laayoune: The UN mission has closed its medical center at MINURSO headquarters in Laayoune after the departure and contract termination of around 20 doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers; equipment is set to be transferred to local humanitarian partners as MINURSO undergoes cost-cutting tied to a strategic review of its future role under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Human Rights Under Pressure: A European lawyers’ group says Sahrawi human rights defenders in occupied Western Sahara face escalating abuses, including isolation measures and a reported de facto siege at the home of defender Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún, with electricity cut off. EU Court-Labeling Fight: Catalan and French civil society groups have launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging it to stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan and to ensure product origin labels reflect Western Sahara’s separate legal status. Diplomacy at the UN: Morocco’s ambassador Omar Hilale told the UN decolonization committee C24 that the Sahara file is “anachronistic,” arguing Resolution 2797 shifts the process to the Security Council and centers Morocco’s autonomy plan. Solidarity Voices: South Africa’s EFF and the World Peace Council renewed calls to end Morocco’s occupation and back Sahrawi self-determination.

MINURSO Restructuring in Laayoune: MINURSO has closed its medical center at its Laayoune headquarters after the departure of about 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers, with equipment set to be transferred to local humanitarian groups as the UN reviews the mission under Security Council Resolution 2797 ahead of an October 2026 mandate expiry. Human Rights Pressure in Occupied Western Sahara: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned alleged serious abuses against Sahrawi defenders, including a reported de facto siege on the home of Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún and restrictions meant to block solidarity and monitoring. Corporate Accountability on Dakhla: Catalan and French trade union/civil society groups launched a campaign and petition against AZURA Group, urging it to respect European court rulings, stop branding Dakhla as Moroccan, and ensure accurate origin labels for exports. UN Decolonization Track: Morocco told the UN C24 that the Sahara file is “anachronistic,” arguing the Security Council’s Resolution 2797 has shifted the process toward an autonomy-based settlement under Moroccan sovereignty. Diplomatic Alignment on the Sahara: U.S. and France discussed Sahara diplomacy in line with Resolution 2797, treating Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the central negotiation basis.

Human Rights Under Pressure: European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned serious abuses against Sahrawi human rights defenders in occupied Western Sahara, citing isolation measures and a reported de facto siege on defender Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún. Corporate Accountability in Dakhla: Catalonia for the Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and French partners urged AZURA Group to respect European court rulings, stop branding Dakhla as Moroccan, and ensure accurate origin labels for exports. UN Mission Restructuring: MINURSO closed its Laayoune medical center after contracts ended for about 20 doctors and nurses, with equipment set to move to local humanitarian partners amid UN restructuring tied to Security Council Resolution 2797. UN Track and Decolonization Debate: Morocco told the UN C24 that the Sahara file is “anachronistic,” arguing the Security Council has taken over after Resolution 2797 and that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty should guide talks. Diplomatic Push for Autonomy: Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at C24 and welcomed Resolution 2797 as a historic turning point, while condemning actions it said threaten regional stability. International Solidarity for Self-Determination: Zimbabwe reaffirmed unconditional support for Sahrawi self-determination in a letter to Polisario leadership, as Sahrawi delegations also engaged international forums including Russia’s anti-fascist gathering.

MINURSO Restructuring: MINURSO has closed its medical center in Laayoune after contracts ended for about 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers; UN says equipment will be transferred to local humanitarian partners as the mission undergoes a review tied to Security Council Resolution 2797. UN Decolonization Track: Morocco’s ambassador Omar Hilale told the UN C-24 that the Sahara file is “anachronistic” and should move off the committee agenda, arguing the Security Council has taken the lead after Resolution 2797 and that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the basis for a final settlement. Diplomatic Push: US adviser Massad Boulos met France’s North Africa director Romaric Roignan, with both stressing a peaceful, durable Sahara resolution under Resolution 2797; talks also covered Sudan and Libya. International Support for Autonomy: Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan before the UN Committee of 24, welcoming Resolution 2797 and calling for constructive engagement by Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario. Human Rights Spotlight: Slovenian TV featured an interview with ISACOM president Aminatou Haidar, highlighting alleged rights abuses in occupied territories and calling for EU responsibility in prolonging the conflict. Regional Solidarity: Zimbabwe’s president Emmerson Mnangagwa reaffirmed unconditional support for Sahrawi self-determination in a letter to Polisario leader Brahim Ghali. Ceasefire Monitoring & Security: The week also saw renewed attention to UN peacekeeping commemorations, including June 5 posthumous Dag Hammarskjöld medals for six Bangladeshi peacekeepers, with Western Sahara listed among UN missions deploying Bangladeshi personnel.

MINURSO Restructuring in Laayoune: Morocco’s MINURSO has closed its headquarters medical center after about 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare staff left; equipment is set to be transferred to local humanitarian groups as the UN reviews the mission ahead of its October 2026 mandate end. UN Peacekeeping Commemoration: Ahead of June 5, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will posthumously award the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a December 2025 drone strike in Abyei, alongside 62 other fallen personnel. Western Sahara Diplomacy at the UN: Morocco’s UN ambassador Omar Hilale told the C24 decolonization committee the Sahara file is “anachronistic,” arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy plan should drive the next stage. Sahrawi Outreach Abroad: A Sahrawi delegation met Nicaragua’s National Assembly leadership in Managua, while Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa reiterated unconditional support for Sahrawi self-determination. Regional Support and Rights: Algeria reaffirmed its principles for a just Western Sahara settlement at the C24 seminar, and a Moroccan victims’ association urged Morocco-Algeria talks to prioritize the 1975 forced expulsions humanitarian file.

MINURSO Restructuring in Laayoune: Morocco-linked reporting says MINURSO has closed its headquarters medical center in Laayoune after contracts ended for about 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare staff; UN equipment is set to be moved to local humanitarian partners as the mission undergoes a strategic review ahead of its October 2026 mandate expiry. UN Peacekeeping Commemorations: Ahead of June 5, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will honour 68 fallen peacekeepers with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, including six Bangladeshis killed in a 2025 drone strike in Abyei; the day also features broader tributes to UN “Blue Helmets,” with India and other troop contributors highlighting their commitments. Western Sahara Diplomacy at the UN: Morocco’s ambassador Omar Hilale told the UN decolonization committee C-24 that the Sahara file is “anachronistic” and should not remain on the General Assembly agenda after Security Council Resolution 2797, which frames talks around Morocco’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Sahrawi International Outreach: Sahrawi representatives met Nicaragua’s National Assembly leadership and received renewed support for self-determination, while Zimbabwe’s president reiterated unconditional backing for Sahrawi self-determination. Humanitarian-Education Links: In Smara, the Sahrawi education minister visited Cuba’s educational mission at the Simón Bolívar National School, underscoring continued cooperation in training and schooling.

UN Decolonization Push: Morocco told the UN C24 in Managua that the Sahara file is “anachronistic” after Security Council Resolution 2797, arguing the dispute should now be handled through the Council track centered on Rabat’s autonomy plan. US-France Alignment: US adviser Massad Boulos met France’s North Africa/Middle East director Romaric Roignan; both sides stressed a peaceful, durable Western Sahara settlement under UNSC 2797. Regional Solidarity for Self-Determination: A Sahrawi delegation met Nicaragua’s National Assembly board, while Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa reiterated unconditional support for Sahrawi self-determination. Human Rights Under Scrutiny: A joint statement says the UN Committee Against Torture found Morocco used torture and ill-treatment against Gdeim Izik detainees, with confessions later used in convictions. Peacekeeping Commemoration: UN chief António Guterres will honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers (killed in a 2025 drone strike) with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on June 5, as International Peacekeepers Day is marked. Education Cooperation: In Smara, the Education Minister visited a Cuban educational mission at the Simón Bolívar National School, highlighting Cuba–Sahrawi ties in training and schooling. Sahara Economy Watch: A report says only three companies imported Western Sahara phosphate rock in 2025—the lowest recorded—while exports rose in volume, keeping the trade politically contested.

UN Peacekeeping Commemoration: India marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers by reiterating its “unflinching commitment” to Blue Helmets, honoring nearly 4,000 peacekeepers who died in service, with India deploying thousands across multiple missions including Western Sahara. Sahrawi Diplomacy in Latin America: A Sahrawi delegation met Nicaragua’s National Assembly board in Managua, where Nicaragua’s leadership reaffirmed solidarity with the Sahrawi struggle for independence and sovereignty. Zimbabwe Backs Self-Determination: Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa reiterated unconditional support for Sahrawi self-determination in a letter to Polisario Secretary-General Brahim Ghali. Anti-Fascist Forum Spotlight: The Polisario delegation took part in a Third International Anti-Fascist Forum in Moscow, using the platform to raise awareness of Western Sahara and denounce alleged repression in occupied territories. Western Sahara Rights at UN Level: A joint human rights statement says the UN Committee Against Torture found Morocco used torture and ill-treatment against Gdeim Izik detainees, with confessions used in convictions. UN Process and European Attention: Ireland’s parliament debated the Sahara file, with Dublin reaffirming support for the UN-led political process under MINURSO while citing security concerns after attacks near Smara. Western Sahara Phosphate Trade: A report says only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025, the lowest recorded, while exports rose in volume—renewing pressure over the trade’s legality.

UN-led diplomacy on Western Sahara: A senior U.S. advisor met France’s North Africa and Middle East director, with both sides stressing a peaceful, durable settlement under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Algeria’s stance: Algeria’s foreign minister reiterated that negotiations should be direct between Morocco and the Polisario, with Algeria as a neighboring observer, while UN and U.S. support remains central. C-24 decolonization push: At the UN Committee of 24 seminar in Managua, Morocco’s UN envoy argued the Sahara file should no longer sit on the committee agenda, while multiple states voiced support for Sahrawi self-determination. Human rights spotlight: A rights statement says the UN Committee Against Torture found torture and ill-treatment of Gdeim Izik detainees, with confessions used in convictions. Economic pressure point: A report says only three firms imported Western Sahara phosphate rock in 2025—the lowest on record—despite 2.02 million tonnes shipped. Local governance: Morocco launched a Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra territorial health group to advance its regional healthcare reform. International politics: Ireland’s parliament reaffirmed support for the UN process but flagged security concerns after an attack near Smara.

U.S.-France Coordination on Western Sahara: A senior U.S. adviser met France’s North Africa and Middle East director to align on regional priorities, including pushing for a peaceful, durable, mutually acceptable Western Sahara resolution under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. UN Decolonization Track in Managua: Algeria used the UN Committee of 24 seminar to reaffirm that Western Sahara remains on the decolonization agenda and to stress Sahrawi self-determination, while Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale argued the Sahara file should not sit on the committee’s agenda. Human Rights Pressure on Gdeim Izik Detainees: A joint statement says the UN Committee Against Torture found Moroccan authorities used torture and ill-treatment against Sahrawi detainees, including Gdeim Izik members, with confessions later used in convictions. Ireland Reaffirms UN Process, Flags Smara Security: Dublin reiterated support for the UN-led political track and MINURSO’s extended mandate, while expressing concern over recent security developments near Smara. Morocco’s Tourism Push Under Scrutiny: Reports say arrivals to Morocco-administered Western Sahara rose over 50% since 2019, driven by new European flight routes—sparking renewed legal and political debate over normalising a disputed territory. Laayoune Healthcare Reform: Morocco launched a Territorial Health Group in Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra as part of its regional healthcare governance overhaul.

UN Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale told the C-24 seminar in Managua that keeping the Western Sahara file on the General Assembly agenda is “anachronistic,” arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 and the Autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty should drive the process. Ireland & Security Concerns: Ireland reaffirmed support for the UN-led political track while warning about security escalation near Smara after attacks claimed by the Polisario Front, stressing MINURSO’s mandate extension to October 2026. Human Rights & Gdeim Izik: A joint statement says the UN Committee Against Torture found Moroccan authorities used torture and ill-treatment against Sahrawi detainees linked to Gdeim Izik, with confessions later used in convictions. Regional Support for Self-Determination: At UN decolonization events in Nicaragua, trade unions and multiple states backed Sahrawi self-determination, while Polisario representatives renewed calls for an end to occupation. Morocco-Algeria Pressure: Algeria’s Africa Day remarks reportedly signaled openness to direct talks between Morocco and the Polisario, under UN and US-supported mediation. Local Governance: In Laayoune, Morocco launched a regional Territorial Health Group to advance healthcare reform and coordination across hospitals and primary care. Tourism Push in the Disputed Territory: Reports highlight a surge in arrivals to Morocco-administered Western Sahara, with new European routes boosting Dakhla’s profile—sparking renewed legal and political debate.

UN Decolonization Diplomacy: The Sahrawi cause drew strong backing at the UN Committee of 24 seminar in Managua, with multiple states reiterating the right to self-determination and independence. Human Rights & Torture Claims: A joint statement says the UN Committee Against Torture found Moroccan authorities used torture and ill-treatment in the Gdeim Izik cases, with detainees held for years. Ireland’s Parliamentary Push: Ireland reaffirmed support for the UN-led Sahara process and MINURSO’s extended mandate, while warning against escalation after an attack near Smara. Algeria Signals Shift: Algeria’s Ahmed Attaf said it supports direct Morocco–POLISARIO negotiations under UN principles, citing new international backing for Morocco’s autonomy plan. Morocco’s Control Through Tourism: Reports say tourist arrivals to Morocco-administered Western Sahara rose over 50% since 2019, driven by new European flight routes—sparking renewed legal and ethical debate. Regional Politics & Security: Morocco launched a Laayoune territorial health group as part of healthcare reform, while Sahrawi prisoner Naama Asfari began a hunger strike over alleged UN non-compliance.

Algeria’s Shift on Western Sahara: Algeria’s foreign minister Ahmed Attaf said his country now supports direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario, framing it as the best route toward a “just, lasting and definitive” solution under UN auspices, while still insisting on Sahrawi self-determination. UN Decolonization Diplomacy: In Managua, Polisario UN representative Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar addressed the UN C-24 process, reiterating that the Sahrawi people will not accept any “colonial fait accompli” and calling for a UN-supervised referendum. Ireland Backs UN Process: Ireland reaffirmed support for the UN-led political track on the Sahara, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 extending MINURSO’s mandate to 2026, while urging attention to security concerns in Smara. Human Rights Pressure: Reports highlight Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari’s hunger strike in Kenitra over alleged arbitrary detention and Morocco’s refusal to implement UN recommendations, as UN bodies continue to scrutinize Gdeim Izik-related abuses. Tourism as Strategy Debate: Morocco’s tourism push in Western Sahara—especially Dakhla—has driven arrivals up over 50% since 2019, but critics warn the branding and flight links risk normalizing occupation under international law. International Law and Terror Label Fight: Former US national security adviser John Bolton rejected calls to label the Polisario Front a terrorist group, saying he has seen no terrorism links.